Origin venues locked-in for 5 years

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The Australian Rugby League Commission has announced a five-year schedule that will see ANZ Stadium host two games in the 2013 State of Origin Series with Suncorp Stadium hosting the remaining match.

The five-year cycle will see Queensland and NSW each host two series in which they have two home games.

NSW will host two games in 2013 and 2016, Queensland in 2014 and 2017, with each state hosting one game in 2015.

The remaining game in the 2015 season will be played at a neutral venue. The NRL is currently in discussions with the Victorian Major Events Company about Melbourne hosting this match.

The schedule ensures that from 2010-2017 each state will have hosted one ‘two-game-series’ in every three years.

“The five-year schedule provides certainty for fans in each state while recognising the value of Origin on the Australian sporting calendar,” NRL Interim Chief Executive, Mr Shane Mattiske, said today.

“It is a schedule that puts an end to one state surrendering a game at the expense of another when matches are played at a neutral venue and allows for a clear cycle of events.

“This has been a thorough process that has involved extensive negotiation and I would like to thank the NSW, Queensland and Victorian Governments for the way in which those negotiations have taken place.

“Both the NSW and Queensland Governments have backed the schedule and each has expressed a strong commitment to supporting Rugby League.

“This is a schedule that steps back from past arguments about which state has hosted the most games to provide a fair outcome for both. At the same time the new schedule provides an important opportunity to grow Origin and Rugby League in new markets.”

The 2013 Origin Series will see matches at ANZ Stadium on June 5 and July 17 and Suncorp Stadium on June 26.

Tickets for both ANZ Stadium matches will be on sale to NRL Ticketed Club Members from next week and to the general public from early December. The on-sale date for the match at Suncorp Stadium is yet to be confirmed.